Making your own tools is not for everyone. Some people don't even like rehabbing old planes. But, if you are looking to save some money, making your own tools can be a big plus. Not only can you make these knives on the cheap, but each one will be a one of a kind tool that you can use for years.

This first picture shows my first marking knife I built over a year ago. Since then I have had several people ask me about it and wanted to know how I made it. So, also pictured in the photo is my new knife. This time I turned on the camera and followed myself around as I made the knife. The video is mostly narrated as I go from one step to the next. It may not be the best video I have every made, but it will show you how to make your own knife if you would like to.

If you are somewhat leery of making a double ended knife, or you just don't feel the need for having one, I also made a standard spear point knife in the video. For the standard knife the process is actually much easier, and may be the best place to start for your first knife.

Brass Hose Ferrules

I cover the supplies needed in the video, but in short the list is this. One 1/2" spade bit (new or old), One piece of wood 1x1 square and 5 1/2" long, and something like copper tubing or brass fittings for the ends. I used two 1/2" brass air hose ferrules cut down to 1/2" long. These can usually be found at auto stores and should be pretty cheap, around 25 cents a piece. Just polish them up nice and shiny on a leather strop and they will look awesome. To hold everything together you can use just about any epoxy. I think 5 minute epoxy would be best, I used West System on the new knives. West System works great, but it stays liquid for quite a while and cost more than the 5 minute stuff.

Like always. If you have any questions about making the knives, or about the video, please don't hesitate to ask.

P.S. If you want a good epoxy for the knife build that is easier to work than WestSystem, try this Rod Bond. It is a two part epoxy, much thicker, and you can buy just the amount you need for work like this.

I make fishing rods from time-to-time, and am often using epoxy. I have found a brand called Rod Bond, which is a two-part epoxy that is thick like Vaseline. Instead of poring the more viscous epoxy into the handle like you showed in the video, you can paint on the thickened Rod Bond on the metal blade/pointer, and insert it into the handle. Spin the blade as you do, which will coat the entire interior of your handle.

This trick should help you make less of a mess, and the Rod Bond epoxy is very easy to work with.